Making time for your kids ©Samantha Olea-2004 Making time for your kids…It’s more important than you think. If a child grows up feeling as if they were an after thought, or that they just don’t matter that much to you it directly affects who they become as adults. Children need a sense of self that can not be bought at
nearest toy store, and can’t be played in DVD player.
We all have best intentions when it comes to our children. A majority of parents have to work between 40 and 60 hours a week just to provide for their children. As a former “Latch Key Kid” myself, who attended daycare until age of 12 before being able to ride bus home by myself to care for my 8 year old sister until my mother came home 3 hours later; I know all too well what it’s like when your parents are always at work. What made it worse was that by time my parents did come home, they were absolutely exhausted. In hindsight, I can see why they did it-to provide for us and make sure we had things we wanted and needed- but back then I didn’t know, and it made me feel pretty crummy.
Unfortunately, by time children really grasp reason that their parents are always so busy, they likely have their own children and are also working all of time. The good news is, there are some things that you can do starting today that can let your children know that above all else they matter to you.
Try to give your children at least 30 minutes every day doing things that reassure them, and when doing so make sure to talk in a pleasant (but real) voice, make eye contact, and listen to what they are saying. Show no anger or disappointment in this very special time slot. Here are some ideas:
-Get on floor and play with them. You will be amazed at just how different world looks from floor, and you’re coming down to their level which they LOVE. -Be silly. For no reason at all, start singing a silly song, talk with a funny accent, or walk in room with a bowl on your head-just do something silly that will catch them off guard and keep being silly! Teach them funny jokes or songs you remember from your childhood.
